7 food waste items that are actually healthy for you

Food is important as a basic body need. Without which we can not function properly and may end up dying of starvation. In normal circumstances, we may eat a food and may eventually throw the waste material out. Especially with fruits and vegetables, people tend to eat the fresh part and may dispose of what’s not required. However, do you know that certain waste materials may be beneficial for you? By throwing them you might be missing out on a number of health advantages.

Medical science is increasingly coming up with new studies that are proving to be groundbreaking. According to new researches, food waste materials may turn out to be medically beneficial. This article will look into some of the food parts that you should never dispose of.

Citrus Fruits zest

All types of citrus fruits are loaded with vitamin C. Vitamin C is required for stronger gums and teeth as well as preventing scurvy. While people tend to squeeze out lemon juice to use it for different purposes, there is another added advantage. Grinding the peel of citrus fruits to obtain garnished zest can yield numerous health benefits. In a study conducted, it was revealed that in just two tablespoons of zest, there is thrice more vitamin C. In addition, it is also known to contain a good amount of fiber, riboflavin and Vitamin B6.

There are several ways to make use of zest. You can blend by adding water and drink it in juice form. Or else, people also tend to mix it with yoghurt and eat in raw form. Either way, the peel of citrus fruits is of particular advantage and should not be disposed of.

Bananas peel

Bananas are commonly known as the “athlete food.” This is because bananas are known to contain a large portion of carbohydrates. These carbohydrates in turn act as a great source of energy. Most of us will tend to eat the softer inner portion overlooking the banana peel. It is now widely believed that the peels are loaded with essential nutrients. Tryptophan, in particular, can be found in a reasonable amount which induces serotonin secretion. Serotonin is what stabilizes the mood and keeps the mind off depression. Thereby, if you are looking natural ways to relieve your mood then consider eating banana peels.

A lot of people will disapprove of eating banana peels directly. They may look disgusting and might not taste too good after all. However, there is a ready solution available to that problem. Now you can use banana peels along with other fruits to make smoothies. If not, then you can also use it for cake batters. Keep note that raw peels happen to be softer and more pleasant in taste then ripe ones.

Watermelon seeds and skin

Watermelons are the must included food items. If you live in countries that experience hot summers, then this fruit is a must. It restores the water requirement keeping the body hydrated. The antioxidants contained in watermelons help fight off inflammation-related illnesses and prevent muscle soreness.

The red watery part of watermelon seems appealing and people will eat mostly that. You might not know but the green skin (rind) and seeds are also of particular health advantage. The seeds and the skin contain healthy amounts of amino acids and regulate blood flow in the body. Medical scientists also believe that both of these items can boost immunity and be good for the heart. You may use rind in cooking or chop into smaller pieces to extract juice. Seeds, on the other hand, can be used as toppings for the salad.

Broccoli Stalks

If you face the problem of wound healing, then broccoli may be the right option for you. It contains a good amount of Vitamin C that helps to form collagen. Usually, people will eat the head of the broccoli throwing away the stalk region. Science has found out that these stalks can be of utter advantage since it is loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants inhibit cell damage and prevent the multiplication of carcinogen cells. So if you eat broccoli stalks then you can decrease your chances of being inflicted with cancer.

There are a number of ways to use broccoli stalk. People will sometimes eat it in raw form. If you do not find that pleasant then you can cut and add into salads. Sprinkle some salt and spread some dressing for a better taste.

Onion Peels

If there is one food item that is widely used then that will be onion. People will chop off onions and use it for cooking or in other cases as salad. Frequently it is skinned and peels are thrown away in garbage. If you are doing the same, then you might be missing on a lot of things.

Research studies have revealed that onion peel reduces the complications caused by chronic inflammation. It contains the flavonoid quercetin that has an anti-inflammatory property. Further to that, it may also be beneficial for cardiovascular health by regulating smooth blood flow. In an experiment conducted, it was found that those who ate onion skills had reduced chances of high blood pressure.

Like with other waste items, people may find it difficult to eat onion peel directly. You may hence use the skin for making soup. Mix the soup contents with chili and pepper for a more pleasant taste. Consider using red onions than yellow ones for higher quercetin.

Celery leaves

Celery leaves are commonly used as topping in the regions of South Asia. They are sold along with other vegetables and are often very cheap. If celery leaves are missing from your diet then you might not get the health advantages they have to offer. They contain a high proportion of calcium and magnesium. Calcium is required by the body for stronger bones and teeth. While on the other hand magnesium is needed to boost the immune system.

Celery leaves may be sprinkled on top of finished gravy to give a better outlook to the dish. They may also be used in the form of salad dressing. Regardless, it is important to not throw the leaves away and utilize all the potential benefits.

Kiwi skin

People would peel off kiwi to get rid of the skin. By doing so they miss out on several health benefits the skin has to offer. Literally, kiwi should be eaten like you would eat an apple or a peach. The skin has a pleasant taste and is considered to be healthy for the body. In fact, it has a higher amount of Vitamin C than the inner portion. The skin is also loaded with fiber that helps fight off constipation. If raw kiwi skin doesn’t sound appealing at all, consider using it with other fruits to make a smoothie.